Three individuals, including a Wet’suwet’en leader, were handed suspended jail terms and community service for violating an injunction related to the Coastal GasLink pipeline project. The B.C. Supreme Court Justice, Michael Tammen, described the suspended sentences as a form of judicial clemency, emphasizing the importance of promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The convicted individuals, identified as Sleydo’, Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko, were found guilty of criminal contempt for their involvement in a blockade on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory. They breached a 2019 injunction prohibiting interference with the pipeline construction. Sleydo’ was sentenced to 17 days, Jocko to 12 days, and Sampson to 9 days, with the jail terms suspended pending compliance with future court orders. Additionally, they were each assigned 150 hours of community service.
The Crown prosecutor had pushed for jail time, citing the need to uphold the rule of law and deter similar actions. Defense counsel argued for time served, highlighting concerns about the court’s integrity following an abuse of process ruling. Justice Tammen acknowledged Charter rights violations during the arrests and condemned racist remarks made by police officers.
The defense underscored the historical context, referencing past legal decisions and agreements that have not been fully realized. Tammen recognized the failure to implement these agreements as contributing to the defendants’ actions. The sentencing, which included reductions for time served and community service, aimed to balance accountability with the pursuit of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights.
The blockade caused delays but did not halt the pipeline’s completion, which spans 670 kilometers in British Columbia. The project facilitates natural gas transportation to an export terminal in Kitimat. In a statement, Sleydo’ emphasized the unceded status of Wet’suwet’en land and its cultural significance to the community.
